Rangers-Devils Game 4 in review

1) If John Tortorella and Ryan Callahan and company can’t figure out the slow starts and what the coach called “the yips” with the puck, I sure as hell can’t.

2) Too bad for Callahan to have a loss like that on a day when he became a dad. I thought his blind, drop-pass to nobody inside the Rangers blue line, which trapped them for over a minute, was kind of a harbinger of things to come. And, boy, it’s hard to point fingers at that guy. He played a good, rough, Callahan game, but couldn’t get much done, in part because of that hand/finger/wrist/whatever.

3) So we find out during the game that Michael Del Zotto’s grandmother passed away during Game 3 Saturday, and obviously that was bothering him. And Tortorella had some compassionate things to say about him after the game, without mentioning the personal loss.

4) That whole incident in the third period? Well, it’s pretty clear that Tortorella and the Rangers started this one, right? I mean, they come out of a TV timeout with Stu Bickel yapping at, and challenging his old faceoff partner Ryan Carter, and then Mike Rupp punching Steve Bernier off the draw. The call on Rupp behind the net was soft, though, and his little shove of Martin Brodeur was almost nothing. I mean, if he was looking for mayhem, Rupp wouldn’t have just shoved him in the chest, right. And Brodeur embellished it (look at the photo; he got shoved in the chest and his leg nearly hit the rafters). I think a lot of noise was made about very little, certainly compared to some other Rangers-Devils stuff we’ve seen in the recent past.

5) Too bad Pierre McGuire decided to hit his mute button, though. Would have been pretty cool if they replayed the discussion between the coaches later, with bleeps of course.

6) Do the Rangers really miss Brandon Prust that much? Just kidding. But they do miss him.

7) Who had Ryan McDonagh-Adam Henrique in the first fight of the series pool? Am I the only one who thought that could have been two each for roughing? Then with McDonagh in the box, Del Zotto played in his spot and that’s when he lost future Ranger Zach Parise for the first goal.

8) How many Rangers lazily or mindlessly failed to gain the red line before icing the puck? (Answer: a lot).

9) Nice of the good folks who run that arena in Newark to turn up the music to drown out the, you know, quiet. The pumped-in noise was much, much, much louder in Game 4 than it was in Game 3. Almost as embarrassing as the P.A. guy. Though, I will say, the place was more like 90 percent Devils fans for this game, and there were fewer empty seats.

10) Seemed to me that the Rangers got somewhat better as play became nastier, which has kind of been their M.O. for two seasons. Tortorella said they gained traction. But not nearly good enough. Callahan had some classic battles with Ilya Kovalchuk, though you’d have to hope he’s smart enough to not fight a much bigger man while playing with a bad hand/finger/wrist/whatever.

11) On the rush, do the Rangers need an engraved invitation to shoot?

12) NBC did a fine job with the replays, especially the ones shot from Trenton after goals. Seriously, it’s like every game they do is their first game. Closeup of Patrik Elias getting his shield wiped by a trainer while Callahan and David Clarkson are hollering at each other on the ice.

13) Some of you clowns never disappoint me with your stupidity in the comments after a loss. I think I’m starting to understand. The Rangers won 51 games, won the East, reached the Eastern Conference final, are two wins from the Cup finals and six wins from the Stanley Cup, despite having only five or six players who are any good at all, and a goalie, and a dolt for a coach. Now I get it.

14) Another few thoughts about the Rupp-sanity in the third period, and again, I believe the Rangers started it very clearly. I don’t think it was anything out of the ordinary in terms of what’s common late in a one-sided loss in the playoffs. That dumb “play to the end” and “send a message” stuff that never has any affect on a series. Maybe the Rangers figured they had to do it with 13 minutes left because of the recent legislation about instigators at the end of games being suspended? Or maybe this was a little bit of frontier justice (which I don’t condone, but also don’t mind too much) for perceived Devils hits that went unpunished while the Rangers’ lost a player to suspension? Or maybe they’re trying to force Peter DeBoer to dress some of his knuckleheads for Game 5, because they really can’t play at all.

15) Congratulations to the Captain on becoming a daddy. That’s far more important than anything that happened on the ice … of course, that’s not saying much.

Naw, Tiki! It had nothing to do with you – they can’t keep coming out of the gate like they’re sleepwalking and hope to win games against fired-up opponents – I hope that they haven’t gone to the “will” well once too often during this playoff run..

Jimbo, I dont think they have. They seem to have a pattern that works for them. Theyre not gonna run out of desire now. And Torts wouldnt let them anyway. The crowd comes out Wednesday night and sets MSG on fire, and all will be fine.

Tiki, I’m worried that some of our players are either hiding injuries, or finally have gotten exhausted to the point where they’re out of gas – I know Torts says nobody is worn out, but their play tells us something else. And Boyle must really be suffering from the aftermath of that viscious Neil hit that didn’t warrant a suspension, while everything our guys do gets us “hanging judge Shanny” rulings..

They probably are suffering injuries, and Boyle is probably having after effects of the concussion, all teams are this time of year, but thats not gonna stop them from giving their all. Sometimes, their all may not be good enough. We have to hope that it is Wednesday.

I sympathize with you, Jimbo, and some other heads like ilb. Your hate for NJ is like mine for another team. I believe in us, I believe that no team can match our desire over the course of a full 7 game series. I have no intention of allowing us to lose, teams and us in particular dont get here very often, we’ve gotta take advantage and seize the opportunity. Nite, Jimbo!! Love ya, pal. Keep faith. Always believe.

Avery, If I wanted too hear from you, I’d scrape you off my boot after picking up dog crap in Central Park. Carp! You need to be much more unbiased, stop being a “homer” the Rangers sucked in this game, live with it…….. move on..

Fact of the matter was, Del Zaster returned. The Rangers were down 1-0, just hit a post, were starting to get a little bit of a forecheck going, and an awful blue-line stand up by Del Zaster, and we’re down 2-0. Game pretty much over, then in the 3rd, stupid undisciplined penalties minus Rupp (He knew what he was doing), led to the demise.

I have to say though, watching the 3rd period, this team didn’t look tired, this team just looked fed up with the Debbie nonsense. And maybe some extra stuff is happening off camera that we’re not seeing, but fact of the matter is our boys looked pissed, and our boys look like they were out for blood then, and maybe that’s a little bit of what we need. To be out for blood, because we seem to play better in games where we are out for blood. I actually for once have confidence going into a game 5 after that 3rd period. And if you watch Tortorella, he’s laughing at DeBoer when he’s yelling at him, and Torts’ presser afterwards wasn’t that of a pissed off coach, that was one of a guy who knows that his team may have woken up finally!

Definitely have to shoot, especially the guys who really can. Fedotenko reminded me of Messier last night with that off wing snap shot. He used to beat guys all the time with it and it used to amaze me. And Brodeur looks so soft.

I think we need to get physically involved early. It’s no coincidence most of the time we won those games that started with staged fights and stuff. I’m not saying do that, but we need a shift by Callahan that’s Cally-esque where he hits everything in sight, get us into the game physically. If we start the game like that, get everyone physically involved, there’s no way the Debbies skate with us 3 periods like that.

the Devils sure do stay down a lot. I felt like I was watching a soccer game with all the flopping around on the ice after a hit. the Devils game plan against the Rangers is a good one. they have the Rangers stretched out and chasing all of the time. the Rangers badly missed Prust. the Devils played tougher because Prust was not there. for that matter, the Rangers missed Dubi as well. did not understand not using Anisimov more( as you know, I am not his biggest fan). he seemed to have legs when most did not.

Really have to get Dubinsky in there soon. We need some new legs, maybe even Zuker.

I think Dubi is the only Ranger the Devils hate anymore. I know Clarkson does. Met him out one night and my friend whose a Devils fan talked his ear off and Clarkson said how he hates Dubi and always wants to get him to fight but he won’t.

This shouldn’t be a surprise. They win one and lose one. We should have learned by now that any series they play will be a long, protracted affair.

My son won his squirt hockey tournament this weekend, and they are now the Spring League champs. Pretty amazing stuff and team effort. After the game, he was asking if I thought the Rangers would win on Monday night. I told him that the most important team already won the championship and that it didn’t matter what the Rangers did. Sometimes it is good to take a step back and enjoy/remember/grieve the important things.

This team was never supposed to be here this year. They still lack goal scoring (which will be the only thing that is their undoing if they lose). Enjoy it while you can. We haven’t had this in 15 years.

The Rupp hit behind the net was as clean as they come. The refs were looking to break up the shift before it even started. Rupp never would have pulled those shenanigans had he not been called for playing hockey

I agree on # 13, and last night was the first time that the blog really got on my nerves with all the negativity. This team has earned my trust all year long. Did they stink up the joint? YES. But, I fully believe they will come out with an effort that is much, much better on Wed. Also, There were many names posting negative things that I had NEVER seen before. As INSANE as this is, I believe Devils fans come in to the blog and pretend to be Rangers fans and are totally negative saying in essence “We Suck”. (That guy WutWut last night was a great example of that, unless he has posted before?)

I am so puzzled by the bad starts? MDZ had the worst game I have ever seen him play. The kid has grown on me so much this year. I think he is a talented kid who has really matured. Sorry about his Grandma, sure it is hard to play through something like that. But, I totally expect a big effort from him on Wed. He is a proud kid and the talent is there.

I actually thought Gabby had a good game! But, we need our big guys to pot a few!

Hollywood, California> May 22, 2012
MARTIN BRODEUR ASKE TO NEXT YEARS SHOW–Mr. Brodeur, although no longer a star, we do appreciate the art in your many flops over the years and your high leg lift on the love tap from Mr. Rupp in the third period of your game Tuesday night showed you are quite the dancer. Please consider joining our show next year. RSVP by July 3, 2012.

Yev- on #13. I used to get as frustrated about it as you seem to be. Still am to an extend. I just think now that some people frankly embarrass themselves, I believe they need to read their own posts in the morning. Also, some new clowns show up after they lose or have a bad game. Cowards.

Good review, Carp!

Do not think for a second that the fireworks were not well calculated by the coach. And Rupp, with his experience, participated willingly. The fireworks included getting Deboer peed off and screaming, and Torts yelling expletives right back while standing over his teams’ heads. I think he figured that the only thing that could explain their slow starts is that they are not emotionally engaged in this series. Well, they are now. Every one of them. That includes Kreider. They play their best when they are either against the well or peed off. Wednesday should be some game. Fasten your seat belts, heads!

If richy and gabby don’t hit the scoresheet on tomorrow the series is over in 6. The devs can win this series in 6 we the rangers can’t . It would take us 7. I truly believe the fact this team has played 100 games had taken it’s toll. If dubi could go he needs to be in. Some kind of fresh legs would help. We just look worn down. It’s not an excuse I just see the obvious. We should be thankful to be 2-2.

I don’t know if its still done, but on a Yankees blog I used to read a lot more than I do now, there’s a guy who would save the most ridiculous of the quitter/whiner posts from the regulars during a game thread then post them the next morning. I’d like to think the shaming acted as some sort of deterrent.

“Mister D- I’m afraid that would took the whole thread up in am. Self evaluation, if it’s an honest one, could be a much better deterrent.”

“Would take, dammit….”

Its working already!

But really, if the offenders were going to stop bailing on the team during every single loss (and some wins), they would have stopped by now. I’ve been avoiding the game threads for that exact reason; I don’t need any of my frustration exacerbated by some superfan deciding to scorch the earth when the worst case is a tied Eastern Conference Finals.

Why can’t they sustain any offensive pressure? They can NEVER get the puck to the high percentage scoring areas. And if one more player passes up a shot for a pass that is most likely to be blocked/deflected I will lose my s***.

You want some good news? The series is tied 2-2, they are going back to MSG, and the Rangers haven’t even nearly played their best hockey in this series. Not even during the games they won. I doubt that will continue. I fully expect them to play their best game tomorrow night.

Carp – I was amazed and still am at the absence of Gaborik and Richards last night – they were non-factors most of the night. Gabby is there for his scoring I get it – but he really needs to win some battles on the boards – my God 0 i didn’t see him win ONE battle conclusively with the puck.

As far as center ice pressure – there was None – Devs up to the old tricks of clogging up the Neutral zone so much that the Rangers could not get any sustained forecheck going. Agree Carp – the lazy dump ins have to stop – my god. Also – the blind passes are not working for them either.

Gaborik needs to start putting pucks in the net…plain and simple. Its simply not acceptable to have Kreider be a better player right now. How many times have we seen Gaborik gain the zone and just stickhandle into 3 guys and quickly lose the puck…how about more passes or quick shots?

Henrique is lucky that McMonster didn’t really throw any punches at his face…clearly showed some of his brute strength with that lil takedown.

As good as Marty has been he sure has given up some softies…can’t blame Hank for too much last night.

Someone has to have the inside scoop on what Torts said to LeBORE…spill the beans!

Gaborik AND Hagelin need to start shooting more. The majority of goals BroDeena has been giving up are on wristers from pretty far out. So let’s keep shooting from those positions instead of looking to make a spin pass and then to a triple lindy before we score.

This was a game that has been coming for some time. The Rangers inability to get going right away finally came home to roost. The bottom line, as much as I am loathe to admit it, is that the Devils have been better all series and we are lucky to be tied 2-2 right now. All is not lost however!! We can come back hard in game 5 and take it to them

Does anyone believe Rupp hit Maartty hard enough to knock him over? how about saying he was happy he just didnt get hurt after the game. He is such a baby!

Brodeur is so outclassed by Henrik, it’s silly. This is what has gone on his whole career. The quality of shots he is seeing are much less than what Henrik is seeing. If we get to him, we will score. He is Hextall, Jr. at this stage.

Oh, ok, that may be an exaggeration, but he is not Marty the Great, either!

I think they are getting outplayed and outworked by the Devs, bottom line. They have to get their emotions up quickly, and start controlling the puck because the Devils are too big on the boards to play D all night and think we can win, like they did vs Washington.

I personally have confidence in the team but they have to prove it again on the ice!

If Rupp gets a game I would just sit back and laugh, because that would be really funny. The love tap on Brodeur didn’t deserve more than a minor penalty. The misconduct was way overkill. Unless Shanahan thinks maybe Rupp left his feet?

Yea, Tom, they got it out of their system. Now, time for discipline and smarts. They can beat these guys. We get Dubie (yes, he is important) and Prusty (yes, he is important) back with fresh legs, it will help.

Hank must be the better goalie and we need shots. We finished first for a reason. We can do this.

I know it’s probably been said again and again (by myself and by others) but I think the team as a whole is just tired. It’s not really an ‘acceptable’ excuse but I do think it’s the case. If you think about it, they really haven’t had that ‘jump’ since early in the Washington series. These 7 game series’, the hitting, the pressure, etc, has culminated to this type of Rangers team. They can’t find their legs in the first. They sort of get them in the second. They find them in the third. But then it’s just about too late. I think in order to win this series they’re going to have to play nastier. They have to find their edge. They have to win with their brute instead of their legs. Because with all the clutching and grabbing the Devils are doing (circa 1995) the Rangers aren’t even being permitted to skate to open pucks.

“Does anybody feel as if the Rangers are pacing themselves this round? or is that just an idiotic comment?”

My only real fear right now is the opposite, that this team wasn’t the type to pace itself and the gas tank is on E. Last night was game that counts #100 for the season and this is a team that rarely took a period off, let alone a full night. That has to eventually catch up.

Also, anyone hear the rumor that Brodeur sort of lost his mind over the Rupp “incident” after the game last night? Went on this long rant to the entire team and coaching staff about no one protecting him and what he wants to see done to rectify the whole situation. Then, apparently, DeBoer went into the Rangers locker room, gagged and kidnapped Rupp and brought him back over to the Devils locker room with a huge red bow on his chest? Not confirmed by any national outlets, just something I heard. From Rod.

My biggest concern is that the Rangers haven’t really made any noticeable adjustments all series in the way they play, and it’s really starting to hurt them.

The Devils have controlled the boards and the Rangers are having tremendous difficulty in clearing the zone. When they do get it out, they typically ice it, or just flip it out to the neutral zone, where the Devils take over again. The result? Insufficient time being spent in the offensive zone, so no chance to establish a forecheck or generate scoring chances. Which really sucks because Brodeur has looked VERY ordinary in this series.

I don’t know if the problem is the Devils’ superior play, Ranger fatigue, or both. If it’s fatigue, well, things aren’t going to get any easier. But I haven’t seen the Rangers taking steps to counteract the Devils’ approach. As much as I like Tortorella and respect the overall job that he’s done since coming here, he’s never struck me as being a particularly adept Xs and Os guy. And I’m not exactly sure what Sullivan is adept at.

Carp – great write up as usual. I was at the game last night, and here are my humble observations.

1) I’ve been to 5 or 6 games at the Rock. (mostly playoffs) Though it’s a great place to watch the game (not a bad seat in the house) the amount of gimmick’s they have is ridiculous. The red flashing lights with house / trance music right before the gm starts??? I thought the old man sitting next to me was going to have a seizure.

And what about the stupid parachutes with t-shirts they drop from the rafters?? Or the fact that the PA announcer has to tell fans to GET UP and wave the towel before the period starts?? Amateur hour.

2) Devils fans, WITHOUT question, are 2nd to ONLY PHILLY as far as the scum-bag meter goes. AND I’M FROM NJ!! A bunch of wanna be tough guys everywhere looking to start fights. It was probably an 85-15 ratio as far as devils – rangers fans. I was in 107, and later sect 15, and there were people looking for fights w/ Rangers fans in each section. There was a group of 3 kids (17 yr olds) with their faces painted in RED & BLUE, and 55 yr old guys were making fun of them trying to goad them into a fight.

3) Rangers need to get their acts together, quickly. This team is NOT good enough to take ANY periods off. They lack the requisite skill, and most importantly, the killer instinct.

NYR are simply getting outwitted. gaborik needs to stop trying to dangle around 3 red jerseys. Also he consistently loses the puck on the boards, if HAGELIN can win a board battle then he has no excuse.

Also did anyone see Gaborik pull up on on a puck in game 3 because he saw a body check coming? Looked like a big wimp.

Our 5 on 5 in this series looks worse then our regular season powerplay

Debbies’ forwards are purposefully skating ‘slowly’ (screening) in front of Ranger fore-checkers slowing them down, allowing their D to get puck and make an outlet pass without pressure.

Rangers forwards are letting the Debbies forwards in the zone in full stride, placing tremendous pressure on our D with their D pinching up to red line to prevent the red line ‘pass’ to forward who chips puck into zone.

Debbies also using -Farty-, -Fatty-, -Mary-, Marmy as a passing D-men when Rangers do get through screen/pick on fore-check. Marmy waits for Ranger forward to bear down, flips the puck to either D man in the corners and away they go out of the zone.

Rangers fore-checkers may want to play passing lanes along end boards, wait for Marmy to play puck and not bear down. He has made some horrible passes with puck leading to some good scoring chances. If we cover D in corners, forces him to play puck up the ice in the middle and some good opps.

Carp – no stars for me last night. Didn’t get a chance to watch the game, didn’t think it was right to send them in when all I caught was the fight and the highlights.

When the Fighting Sioux players put up 3 out of 4 goals (Parise/Zajac) last night, it’s alright when the Rangers put up 4 to win. Perhaps the missing piece to this team is Parise. He has always been the hardest working player on the ice, and it shows. He just has a “will” about him, its almost like he can “WILL” his team to win. He can’t become a Ranger soon enough.

Well looks like the Rangers are going to WIN in 7. Why make this series any different than the rest!!!

The Rangers need a shakeup on offense. Boyle, Anisimov, and Stepan have been invisible for a while. It’s too bad that Zuccarello wasn’t healthy…he might add a spark. Dubinsky might help stir things up, too. The Rangers offense has been as inept as I have ever seen it…for the whole playoffs, not just against the Devils.

Ohh it hurts worst of all to lose to the Devils. It’s like the Devil’s staff was sitting around thinking, “all we have is a giant net plug, a few sharpshooters, and a few jackwagons….we won’t get far…and, speaking of the most over-rated player in hockey, how did that flopping walrus get his wife And her sister to lay still underneath him?” That’s when the Aha moment hit. Train the whole squad to cheat! Throw themselves on the ice and lay there until the whistle blows. Screw hockey smarts and skill, it’s too hard!! Grrrrrr. I had to vent! Otherwise,

“It kind of stung me a little bit. I didn’t know what to do,” Brodeur said with a laugh. “It hurt me in my jaw, got me in the chest, his fist went up to my mask. It surprised me more than anything.” “Now at least I know I can take a punch,” Brodeur said.

It’s simple. The Devils want it, the Rangers don’t. The Devils were up 2-0 before the Rangers even gained the zone (the one shot they had up to that point was off a defensive turnover.) Men against boys.

Here’s my 3 scrubs of the game:

3. Rupp-roh – This guy couldn’t hit a bull in the ass with a shovel. He has a ZERO percent chance to score. Suprised he could land a punch, and not have his fist sail 10 feet wide and end up in the netting.

2. C for Coward Callahan – Nothing worse than a captain who gets all the praise when the team wins and is untouchable when they lose cause he played his minutes. Look at Mess. Then look at Cally. Then look back at Mess. Is this what counts as a leader these days? Mope around for 50 minutes while you’re having your butt handed to you and then in the last 10 minutes muster up some false courage with a bunch of pansy slapping. It’s ok though, they got that meaningless goal, it’s something to build on. Where, oh where has the toughness gone in this game.

#1 by a longshot. Tort reform – He’s a f’ing disgrace. He can’t get his team to show up, he benches guys and then wonders why they don’t play with confidence, he abandons the forecheck, the pressure, everything that made the Rangers win in the first place. He’s a useless cheerleader, and the worst part is the press and brodads eat it up . “We don’t change our game.” Well maybe you should since for the last 4 games you haven’t even competed? COACH THIS TEAM OR GTFO.

Free Pass: Del Zaster – he either scores one or gives up one every night. That was the deal, you have to take the good with the bad.

Carp – LOVE the top Photo!!! You would think Marty went down for the count!!!

Are the Rangers allowed to “flush” one game per series? If so that was the one.

Bright side of Rupper – he was trying to wake his team up. They play better when they have more snarl in them. The Rangers needs to dial up the battle levels, and start outworking the Devils. It was their “style” all year long.

No reason they can’t dial it up at home, in the Garden, with a house full of BLUESHIRTS!!!

rangersdontwantit, kill yourself. who are you, mike milbury in disguise? rangers got beat, along the boards, all over the ice. Why didn’t someone put Parise on his arse before he could jam the puck in the net. In the replay there were three guys standing around him watching! Gotta do better. Rangers in 6.

No need to apologize, Carpster. Thanks. Just wondering about logistics of that stuff.

Anybody know why the Rangers haven’t allowed a forward to remain higher when backchecking against the devils’ “vicious” forecheck? It seems like their defenseman are getting free shots over and over. Is this just bad strategy by my ametuer-hour-brain?

I love the idea of some goof sitting at his cubicle and typing up his “Rangers don’t want it” rant, as if the real difference in sports every year is 1 team wanting it and 29-31 not wanting it.

“Dear Marian(ne!), If you put half the amount of effort into scoring goals as I did into my presentation last Thursday, you would have already swept the Devils. Good luck next week, WHEN YOU’RE ON THE GOLF COURSE.”

The Rangers will get a huge lift from the GardenFaithful….
Henrik will be Great….
The coaching staff will make some game strategy changes that will benefit the good guys….
They will play game 5 “the right way”, which they have gotten away from in this series…
Prusty will score a goal….
Gabby will score a goal….

It’s all house money at this point boys. They still could win and probably will because that is still just what these guys do. They have B%lls as Torts loves to say and they win, and now that they’re angry, they will do that again. But even if they don’t, this has been the best season of Rangers hockey since 1994 and its not even close. What a blast.

Even back then, I had a feeling that these no-talents would finish first in the conference and get to the Easter Finals before collapsing like the clowns they are … in pathetic fashion.

All a tease. This team is a farce if I’ve ever seen one. All this just to lose against our most hated rival. Brodeur will skate in glory come late June while our “team” will be practicing their putting on a municipal course.

All this focus on a good start is beside the point, the fact is that apart from goaltending the evidence through the first 4 games suggests Rangers are playing a team that is quicker, stronger and a bit more talented.

The boys can still win with their tried and true formula: Hank and the D shut them down and then we get an opportunistic goal. This seems to be the only way, as at very few points during this series have the boys been able to get sustained pressure or good shots on an otherwise very beatable Brodeur.

That being said they came up with that game 7 against the Caps when they seemed similarly gassed in the 3 previous games. Maybe there’s something more in the tank? We’ll see soon enough.

Carp: Love the blog, you tell it like it is and don’t hold back, very refreshing, especially in the light of some of these “Ranger fans'” comments. MDZ has had a great year, that’s why his failures seem so BAD… he got the assist on the ONLY Ranger goal last nite, and he had a reason to be off his game since his grandmother passed away. What worries me more overall is the farcical officiating, they weren’t too bad last night, but the no-spearing call on Kovalchuk is mystifying, it met ALL the criteria:
ACCORDING TO “THE OFFICIAL RULES OF ICE HOCKEY” (2003 USA Hockey, Inc.) :
RULE 634 SPEARING:
(a) A major plus a game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on a player who spears or attempts to spear an opponent. (“Spearing” shall mean stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade while ithe stick is being carried with one hand or both hands)
It may also be treated as An Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of Opponents under rule 603.

Except if you are an “Elite Player” apparently, your move Mr. Shanahan… If it were the other way around (and it wouldn’t, Callahan is not a coward) Callahan would have gotten 10 days easy, and Kovalchuk would have been writhing on the ice for 2 minutes, but would have been ready for the next shift… It’s like the Devils studied Advanced Diving 101, using UEFA as a model…

And I do agree with the posters who say we’re playing with house money. I wouldn’t have felt that way if we lost against the Caps or Sens but at this point no matter what happens this was a great season and a great ride. The young guys are getting invaluable experience and there will be some changes made in the offseason to upgrade this team’s potential. This team will be built to contend for years to come.

It’s never house money when you are playing THE DEVILS. We have to win. Everybody on this blog knows that. If we lose to THE DEVILS then everyone is going to go into an epic tailspin of debauchery and anger.

As far as I know (maybe I am wrong) it is 2-2 and we split in their building. As Far as I know (maybe I am wrong) we still have home ice advantage.

As far as I know (maybe I am wrong) this pattern is exactly the same as the caps series and we won that one.

the problem on this blog is that I believe that alot of the idiotic posts that are made are by people claiming to be Rangers fans who are not! Yes, some of the regulars are negative nellies who post with their heart and not their head. Those type of posts I understand and forgive.

But Asshats like that guy WutWut from last night are hard to take. Clearly a devils, Islander, Senator or Capital fan (maybe even a cryers fan?) who come here to be jackwagons!

Doodie I agree they need to add the top forward. If they do their window is 3-5 years. Hank can play at elite level for 3-5 more years, and McD, Staal, and Girardi, can anchor our D at a high level for at least 3-5 years.

With the top forward- and we’re not talking top 6 or even top 3 but top 1- it will make the core of Kreider, Richards, Gabby, Cally, Stepan, Hagelin, Boyle, Prust, more formidable. And can take some pressure off the need to be built around shot blocking because I just don’t see that as a winning strategy over a period of years.

It’s somewhat satisfying now to read where some folks
have noticed the phenomenon that has pursued Rangers for ( eons? now…or does it just seem like that?) I refer to the Dump and Chase technique that allows them to dump the puck in ( as opposed to skating hard and carrying in and setting up) a power play or other type of aggresive attack)…that allows them to keep control of the puck instead of having to fight off defenders before they can even think of mounting an attack..and it also wastes precious time).

This dates back to the Renney years, and many have never gotten over it. Just watch other teams…they’ll dump and chase at times when situation calls for it, but they don’t make it their routine behavior pattern, and as a result generate far more shots of a deadly nature on LQ, then other goaltenders face against them. Think about it…a loose puck shot into the defensive zone, where most of the defenders are already deployed, and Rangers who are then forced to come in a grapple with them just to get control of the puck…it’s not only thoughtless….it,s a way of not getting smoked, and this is a defensive not offensive ploy. I’ve despised and crabbed about the dump and chase ever since the days of Roszival and Jagr, and we all recall how that fared eventually. ( Poor Rozy is STILL sneaking peaks over his shoulder looking for Jagr). Ahh well…if they do it again in the next game, look for it and be not surprised if it falters.

I agree with you. I thought that Gaborik was a lot more noticeable than he has been. He skated a lot better with the puck, made a few decent passes, etc. I thought Richards was particularly invisible last night, though.

Fran, the dump and chase is particularly ineffective this series because of the way Brodeur handles the puck. He’s been sloppy at times, but more often than not he still acts like a third defenseman. The Rangers are having enough problems with the other two.

If they want to dump it in, they need to either put it softly into one of the corners, or hard around the glass. I know, easier said than done. But dumping it in around the boards against this team just makes it way too easy for the Devils to break out of their zone.

Any chance some of our better young players price themselves over our salary cap restrictions over the next few years? I’m not exactly sure how these things work, but with our team consisting of so much skilled homegrown talent it might be a concern

We cannot lose to the Devils? I hate them as much as anyone and want to see the cockiness slapped off their faces but cmon theyre a good team and we should be proud of where we are. Like Torts says we don’t worry about the other team we worry about the New York Rangers. And win or lose, some time will pass, we’ll assess the season, and we’ll all agree on this.

“Any chance some of our better young players price themselves over our salary cap restrictions over the next few years?”

Depends. If we add another high priced player, yes, its possible. If we stick with what we have now and fill in types, no. But even if we do add another piece, we have guys that can be moved easily enough to make it work. There won’t be a Chicago disaster here.

face it folks the devils are a diff animal. there forecheck and style are vastly diff then ottawa and washington. if richy and gabby dont deliver tom night and give us production its wait till next year. i will let you guys be the optimistic ones. i will just hope and pray someone can make a key play at a key time tom night. to be 2-2 right now we should feel fortunate.

1.
rupp stinks, having a parade because he gets a shot on goal is not something to celebrate…also john mitchell is not good any way you slice it.

2.
I hope Artie tells Tortorella to go f**k himself in the off-season and asks his agent to get him out of here

3.
And yes, his grandmother passed away three days ago so he was was not at his best emotionally. Doesn’t mean that was the reason for his pathetic play tonight and most of the series

4.
Richards has been at the top of the list as awful. He had so many non-connecting passes today, it was horrifying. I had to ask myself, is this guy a pro? Did he shoot his load last series? The greats keep plowing forward.

5.
Rangers making Torts look like a horses carcillo tonight. What an embarrassing non-effort.

6.
Torts and the team have already given up this game. If they don’t respond in Game 5 and win I really don’t think the Rangers can win two in a row…The biggest question I have is Why, oh why, OH WHY does this team continually put forth weak efforts when they have a chance to take a commanding lead?

7.
Since the Rangers don’t want to show up, Get there butt on the bus now and go home. The Devils are playing with the passion needed to represent the East in the Finals. Disgusting effort this series. To work this hard all season and then play like this will leave a bitter taste in everyones mouth all summer long.

8.
no doubt biron gets in for 3rd down 5-0. ive come to exepct this from this team so cant say i am surprised just puzzled how they are dominated consistently

torts and the players can say it all they want about not being tired this team is fatigued. richy may have let out his tank in wash series. richy gabby mac and danny g all played 100 games. im sorry its taken a toll.

some previous things to think about.

foligno goal in game 2 in ottawa series late in 3rd neil winner that doesnt happen short series.
game 4 in wash the no EFFORT could have been shorter.

not saying dubi will score cause he prob wont but if he is close he needs to play we need fresh legs.

Rangers have done this exact same thing in every series. They get a big win and come out the next night like they’re playing a game of hearts at the local lodge. They’ve yet to maintain a consistent level of intensity from one game to the next throughout the playoffs so they’ll look great one game and crap the bed in the next. I’m sure they’re more tired than they were against Ottawa, but I’m not buying fatigue as an excuse when they’re simply doing what they’ve done for every other game in the postseason.

Wow Ranger Match Game that must have taken you some time and effort. Glad I didn’t make the list.

Are you that upset by emotional comments from fans that love their team as much as you do? Is it that upsetting to read posts critical of your heroes, even the comments which have some basis in fact?

Let me ask you and the other optimist thought police- when you boldly predict Ranger supremacy and victory and berate those that have concerns, do you come on the site after a bad loss and admit you were wrong and clueless to have overlooked the flaws which sometimes are rather obvious?

It also has something to do with the opposing team, Lloyd…As the Rangers do, they come out with a much better effort next game after loss. This is playoffs, the best teams are still standing. It’s amazing how we disregard that NY isn’t playing Nicaraguan early evening, over 65 pick up teams, as Miami would say.

All this talk about how the Devils are so different blah blah blah. We threw up a couple of stinkers against (pronounced ae-gane st) both the sens and caps – and now we find ourselves in the similar situation as before….series tied and we control home ice…..don’t give up the damn ship…..

As dejected as many including myself were after last night. It should be noted that the number one objective the team had was to win at least one game in NJ. They did that. Many of us wanted to or were hoping for more but at this point in the season, this team is what it is. If they go on and win the series it will be a seven game scratch and crawl to get the win. It will be the same should they advance to the finals against L.A.

As for this being a lot further than many of us expected, that’s true. But that was before the season and the fact of the matter is that they are the number 1 seed. They are not playing Pittsburgh or Boston. They are playing a team that I believe is a level below us. We have the better goalie. We have by far a better defense. And our top five forwards are just as good or nearly as good as the Devils. When looked at in totality, we are the better team.

There is clearly other issues that are impacting “how we play”. I don’t know what those issues are. It maybe fatigue. I maybe a lack of confidence with the puck. It maybe all those things. I just hope they can snap out of it. They have not played a good game since game seven against the Caps. Maybe they are due. I sure hope so. Because despite what is now in my opinion a successful season, you never know when or if you will get this far the next time. Injuries happen. Sometimes the mix of players isn’t right. You have have to seize this moment and beat this Devils team that they are better than.

“Because despite what is now in my opinion a successful season, you never know when or if you will get this far the next time. Injuries happen. Sometimes the mix of players isn’t right. You have have to seize this moment and beat this Devils team that they are better than.”

GREAT POINT. This is precisely my thinking (and others should be thinking the same way). Even if we are a better team next year, so many random things can happen (like you mentioned, injuries, fluky goals, etc) that there’s a realllllly good chance we don’t make it this far again. And we also know this from Rangers history that this franchise doesn’t often get this type of opportunity.

So the time for the clowns to seize the moment is NOW.

And for god’s sakes, this Devils team is so average. It’ll be a lost opportunity to lose to them. And the Kings? They are due for a bad series. STEP ON THE GAS, RANGERS.

Cry me a river , BOOHOO, we lost and we stunk up the place , like the Rangers world has come to an end. Fan on this BLOG are passionate and they just want to play a decent game. Last night we didn’t and it showed. We lost and now come back to MSG to deliver a real game. I have full faith that our boys will get it done. So Peeps , stop whinning and whimpering about one stinking loss as bad as it was. We are the top seed and we are great. Not every night , how can anyone? LA KINGS lost there 2nd game of the playoffs recently by playing bloody well awful. Not every team , every game wins beutifully and sometimes great team loss down right ugly. NOw what make the good team great ,,,,? They come out next game and KICK SUM DEVIL AZZZZ!!!!

It is not like heat become more intense, the closer we are to SC Finals, which keep me out of the kitchen, rather unbearable amount of cockroaches which came out from the all slots and holes, with their irrelevant but stinky sounds.

“The Rangers won 51 games, won the East, reached the Eastern Conference final, are two wins from the Cup finals and six wins from the Stanley Cup, despite having only five or six players who are any good at all, and a goalie, and a dolt for a coach. Now I get it.”

Bout time you got it, Carp. But make that a ‘sometimes dolt’ for a coach.

They wouldn’t be in the semis without Torts, but he still loves to sabotage his own team at critical moments. Like when he benched Kreider, now clearly his best & most consistent offensive performer. Or last year, when he voted to demote Zuc and make Matt Gilroy a forward! Or should he keep Zuccarello in the press box for Game 5 while his team gets one decent scoring chance every period and a half.

Because we must grind grind grind, even when we can’t.

You might remember I was villified here for daring to suggest this team had little to no offense, called all sorts of names. Guess I’m still crazy.

The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that
you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield
this hike.